Texas InstrumentsTI-84 Plus CE Color Graphing Calculator, Bright White

Is it the best graphing calculator out there? Not by a long shot! In fact, it's severely underpowered compared to the competition. But it has a few unique qualities.For us old timers, it's a spruced up edition of and old classic, the TI-83 Plus, which became popular because it runs on a Z80 processor (even if most people never took advantage of that). This popularity turned it into a de facto standard for students, teachers, and educational institutions. So if you're a student, this calculator is a safe bet. It will be accepted by teachers, even in most exams, and you'll have plenty of people around you who know it. In fact, some schools require this model. Ironically, the feature that propelled this calculator in the first place -- the ability to program it in Z80 machine language -- has been locked out by TI because it made it possible to cheat during exams. Even more ironically, this lock was soon broken, so they angered their customers for nothing. In place of the Z80, the newer models offer a trimmed down version of Python, as do most other graphing calculators today.While it occupies the low end of graphing calculators, in terms of speed and capabilities, it's still overpowered for just about anyone but those who do fairly advanced mathematics. Unless you're an engineer, physicist, or mathematician (or studying to become one), you won't come close to using all of the abilities of this calculator. But if you are an engineer, physicist, or mathematician, I would recommend an HP Prime G2, a TI-Nspire CX II CAS, or a Casio fx-CG50 PRIZM. All three are hugely faster, have more memory, and have CAS and better support for complex and exact math (on the Casio, the CAS is downloaded separately). If you need power, but are on a budget, the Casio fx-9750GIII is basically a black & white version of the fx-CG50, but at less than half the price of a TI-84 Plus CE. It's slower than the fx-CG50, but a lot faster than the TI-84 Plus CE.

Why did you pick this product vs others?:I bought the TI-84 Plus CE in Radical Red for my high schooler, and it’s been a fantastic investment. It’s sleek, lightweight, and the color really stands out—definitely not your average dull calculator! The color screen is a big step up from older models, making graphs, equations, and data tables much easier to read. Color display – helps visualize graphs and functions better. Rechargeable battery – lasts a long time on a single charge. Approved for exams (SAT, AP, ACT) – works for standardized testing. Highly recommend for high school and college students. And let’s be honest, the Radical Red color makes math a little more fun.

The media could not be loaded. As a student knee-deep in math classes and preparing for exams like the SAT and ACT, the TI-84 Plus CE calculator has become an indispensable tool. Its color screen enhances the graphing experience, making it easier to distinguish between multiple functions and data sets. I really appreciate how user-friendly it is; the intuitive interface simplifies complex calculations and operations. Its functionality extends beyond basic arithmetic, offering advanced features such as statistical analysis, trigonometric functions, and calculus tools, which have been lifesavers in my coursework. The ample memory allows for storing numerous programs and applications, catering to a wide range of academic and professional needs. The inclusion of a charger is a significant advantage, ensuring you can easily power up your device. However, be aware that the calculator comes with a charger, so there's no need to purchase an additional one, like I accidentally did! The rechargeable battery is a significant advantage, saving money and reducing waste compared to traditional battery-powered calculators. While it may come with a higher price tag, the TI-84 Plus CE offers excellent value due to its durability, reliability, and extensive capabilities. Whether you're tackling algebra, calculus, or statistics, or prepping for standardized tests, this calculator provides the performance and features necessary for success.

This is our second calculator by TI. The first one has last over 9 years, we just need a second one for our second child. I’m sure this one will last as well!

Old school compared to a smartphone but this is very fun and helps resist the allure of video games and social media. Using buttons is also a better experience than touchscreen. TI should add more functionality and sensors but I get the feeling they're not going to make major changes.Getting details is pretty hard. I finally chose this one over the Casio competitor because it is easily rechargeable.The display is very good. Not as sharp as a phone but bright and plenty of color. The graphing is oddly slow, not enough to impede use. Hard to know if this is intentionally done.

The calculator is great but I had an issue with it after I first opened it where the OS wouldn't boot up. I ended up having to completely wipe and reinstall the OS and now it works perfectly. The quality is great and I love the color. Just keep in mind that you may have to reinstall the OS from the website if you have issues turning it on at first.

Writing this review years later. I originally purchased around 2021 and it has been an amazing investment. Have been using this for calculus, statistics, and more. It comes with everything and has not faced any technological issues!The calculator design is sleek and clean, and the color is simple and does not wear off even after years of usage. The buttons are labeled and have not worn off either. It comes with a charging cable, and battery life is very, very, very long. I usually only have to charge it 1-2 times every month, depending on my usage. Even though it has a higher price point, you will not be disappointed with this calculator. It includes a lot of functions and customization. It comes with a protective case that slides on and off. And overall, the durability is incredible!